Allsmiles

Dental erosion – also called acid erosion – is the largely-preventable yet irreversible damage to tooth structure due from exposure to non-bacterial acids either through food and drink or from sometimes-chronic medical conditions that aren’t dental related. It has only been recently that dental erosion has been recognized as a dental health problem despite it being commonly present especially among children and teenagers.

Most often, dental erosion is caused by consumption of acidic foods and drinks – typically those with a pH that is below 5.7. Sodas and other carbonated drinks, including those that are diet or un-caffeinated, are a frequent culprit along with fruit juices – especially those that contain citrus. With dental erosion, the damage is caused by citric and phosphoric acids. Additionally, dental erosion has been shown to be caused by wine and possibly by chlorinated pool water. Dental research has generally shown that frequency of exposure is a greater factor than volume of intake.

Saliva is designed to act as a buffer that regulates the impact of acidic drinks that have been consumed but some drinks have a resistance to the effect. Research has concluded that fruit juices are the most resistant to Saliva’s benefits. In descending order, other resistant drinks include: fruit-based carbonated drinks and flavored mineral waters, other carbonated drinks such as sodas and mineral water. Some medications and vitamins – such as Vitamin C – in addition to aspirin and iron supplements may also contribute to dental erosion when considering external sources.

When dental erosion isn’t caused by extrinsic sources of acid exposure, there are a number of intrinsic causes that can be at play. This form of dental erosion is referred to as perimolysis in dental terminology. The teeth are damaged when exposed to gastric acid from the stomach. Conditions such as acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion and more serious medical problems like anorexia and bulimia can also contribute to dental erosion.

Signs and symptoms of dental erosion can include changes in physical appearance and sensitivity. One of the most common indicators is yellowing teeth – which indicates exposed dentin – or a change of color occurring on the edges of central incisors that may become transparent. Teeth may also appear to have changed shape and taken on a rounded look and gaps between teeth can become more pronounced. Existing fillings in teeth may appear to be rising out of the gum line. When dental erosion has become seriously pronounced, cracking of the tooth can occur. Other indicators are sensitivity to eating hot, cold or sweet foods.

To prevent and manage dental erosion, the root causes must be addressed. That means changing diet if acidic foods and drinks are the cause. If medical conditions are the cause then a doctor should be consulted to develop an effective treatment plan. Avoid brushing too hard or in a horizontal fashion. Also, don’t brush immediately after consuming anything acidic because the teeth will be softer at that point. Soft bristled brushes are generally better at preventing damage and use of fluoride mouthwash. Drinking milk, taking antacid tablets to control acid reflux and various dental bonding agents can also be helpful in managing dental erosion.